American Man Captured In North Korea

An American man has been detained in North Korea, according to two State Department officials.

An American man has been detained in North Korea, according to two State Department officials who spoke with CNN.

Because the United States and North Korea have no diplomatic relations, the Swedish Embassy in the North Korea capital of Pyongyang is working to get the man released on humanitarian grounds.

Tensions between North Korea and the U.S. are already particularly high because of recent concerns the Obama administration has had with North Korea’s nuclear development program. Fuel was added to the fire when the United States and South Korea held joint military drills in February, an act which the North warned the South against if they wanted to avoid a “sea of flames” in Seoul.

Several other Americans have been detained by North Korea in recent years as well, further increasing the turmoil between the U.S. and North Korea.

The sources speaking on the newest detainee did not provide information as to why the man was arrested, or the reason for his visit, but said the Swedes have been given consular access to the man, and are asking for regular visits until he is released.